1679 Pax & Amorini Fireback

Dateca. 1679

MediumCast Iron

DimensionsHeight: 30 7/8" Width: 22 5/8" Thickness: 1"

Credit LineGift of Michael Weber

Object number2016-96

DescriptionTombstone shaped fireback with ornate floral and geometric borders surrounding a scene of two cherubs forging bolts of lightning on an anvil, set above a panoply of arms including flags and cannon. Behind, the allegorical representation of "Peace" flies to the right holding arrow and a trumpet. PAX (Peace) appears at the top with the date "16" and "79" at the corners.Label TextTall, tombstone shaped firebacks with classically inspired scenes and heavy, ornate orders were popular throughout England and the Low Counties during the last part of the 17th c. Although fairly typical for the period, this 1679-dated example is distinctly warlike in nature. While the central scene is of cherubs forging lightning bolts, hovering over a military trophy, Pax, the Goddess of Peace flies behind. This is taken to represent wisdom of preparing for war while hoping for peace. Since this fireback dates from a period free from armed conflict in northern Europe, it can be taken as an adage, rather than an allusion to an actual military campaign.